The Council's Constitution

Our constitution sets out how we operate, how decisions are made and the procedures which are followed to ensure that these are efficient, transparent and accountable to local people. Some of these processes are required by the law, while others are set by us.

The constitution is divided into a number of articles which set out the basic principles governing our business. These are supplemented by more detailed procedures and codes of practice set out in separate rules and protocols.

The various sections are available to download from this page. A paper copy is available for inspection at our Trinity Road offices in Cirencester, during normal office hours.

How the Council operates

The Council has 34 councillors. The overriding duty of councillors is to the whole community, but they have a special duty to the constituents of their ward, including those who did not vote for them.

Councillors have to agree to follow a code of conduct to ensure high standards in the way they undertake their duties.

All councillors meet together as the Council, usually four or five times in a year. Meetings of the Council are normally open to the public. Here councillors decide our overall policies and set the budget.

The Council is responsible for appointing the leader and committees of the Council, and for holding the executive and the committees to account for the decisions they take. The Council may also ask the executive to reconsider a decision.

Councillors may ask questions, or submit petitions, at meetings of the Council, the Cabinet and committees. Councillors can submit a motion at meetings of the Council.

Members of the public may ask questions or submit petitions to meetings of the Council, the Cabinet and committees. Public speaking is also allowed at planning committee meetings. A guide to public speakingat meetings of the planning committee is available to download.